Why it matters:
Hamas freed eight captives, three Israeli and five Thai nationals on Thursday in the latest release since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip took hold earlier this month. Israel was expected to release another 110 Palestinian prisoners.
But, the Israeli government has ordered prison authorities to suspend the release of Palestinian prisoners today "until further notice", Israel’s Kann broadcaster reports.
The big picture:
A group of 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors, were set to be released, in exchange for three Israeli and five Thai captives who have already crossed into Israel.
According to Israel’s Army Radio, the buses with detainees are heading back to Israel’s Ofer Prison.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of '"unimaginable cruelty" during the hostage releases.
In a post on X, the Israeli PM, who is facing arrest warrants over war crimes and crimes against humanity, criticized the way seven captives were released in Khan Younis.
"I view with great severity the shocking scenes during the release of our hostages," he said. "This is yet another proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organization."
He added: "I demand that the mediators ensure that such horrific scenes are not repeated and guarantee the safety of our hostages."
Go deeper:
Thursday’s release was the third round of releases since a ceasefire came into effect on Jan. 19. Three female Israeli civilians were freed that day. A week later four female Israeli soldiers were also released.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 47,417 Palestinians and wounded 111,571 since October 7, 2023.
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